Body Positivity Therapists in Arcata, CA
Pennie Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arcata, CA 95521
Welcome! My name is Pennie Lee, and I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). My focus is to provide a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, gain clarity, and develop practical tools for managing life's difficulties. Whether you're dealing with the pressures of everyday stress or deeper emotional struggles, I'm here to guide you through this journey with empathy and a focus on your strengths. Together, we will work toward creating lasting, positive change, empowering you to move forward with confidence and resilience
Welcome! My name is Pennie Lee, and I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). My focus is to provide a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, gain clarity, and develop practical tools for managing life's difficulties. Whether you're dealing with the pressures of everyday stress or deeper emotional struggles, I'm here to guide you through this journey with empathy and a focus on your strengths. Together, we will work toward creating lasting, positive change, empowering you to move forward with confidence and resilience
Christina Torres
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
Arcata, CA 95521 (Online Only)
Please note: I only have a couple spaces available on my caseload so I am prioritizing them for Spanish monolingual speakers or Eng/Span bilinguals. Seeking out help can be a difficult step toward an active role in creating change in your life. That it why I seek to be an empathic, non-judgemental helper on your journey. I have been working with children, adolescents, adults, and families since 2012 on struggles such as depression, anxiety, anger management, relational problems, and trauma.
Please note: I only have a couple spaces available on my caseload so I am prioritizing them for Spanish monolingual speakers or Eng/Span bilinguals. Seeking out help can be a difficult step toward an active role in creating change in your life. That it why I seek to be an empathic, non-judgemental helper on your journey. I have been working with children, adolescents, adults, and families since 2012 on struggles such as depression, anxiety, anger management, relational problems, and trauma.
Samantha Medeiros
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Arcata, CA 95521
Whether it be to better manage mental health symptoms, phase of life challenges, interpersonal difficulties, or challenges with identity/self-actualization/integration, I support clients as they look inward and identify how cognitive patterns affect behavior and emotions. I prefer to take a client-focused but also evidence-based approach to exploring the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Through the application of this clinical matrix, clients can identify potential origins, triggers and patterns.
Whether it be to better manage mental health symptoms, phase of life challenges, interpersonal difficulties, or challenges with identity/self-actualization/integration, I support clients as they look inward and identify how cognitive patterns affect behavior and emotions. I prefer to take a client-focused but also evidence-based approach to exploring the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Through the application of this clinical matrix, clients can identify potential origins, triggers and patterns.
Claire Matulis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arcata, CA 95521
Taking the step to seek therapy is a powerful act of self-care. I strive to create a welcoming and supportive space where you can explore your feelings and work toward healing.
Taking the step to seek therapy is a powerful act of self-care. I strive to create a welcoming and supportive space where you can explore your feelings and work toward healing.
My style is collaborative, compassionate and non formulaic. Together, we decide what the issues are and how to tackle them. A special focus of my practice is with creative's and culturally diverse people. Besides teaching clients new skills to overcome their feelings of depression, anxiety, trauma or low self-esteem, I am also trained as a master career coach and can help you find greater meaning in your career choices or achieve success in your job search or in improving your work relationships.
My style is collaborative, compassionate and non formulaic. Together, we decide what the issues are and how to tackle them. A special focus of my practice is with creative's and culturally diverse people. Besides teaching clients new skills to overcome their feelings of depression, anxiety, trauma or low self-esteem, I am also trained as a master career coach and can help you find greater meaning in your career choices or achieve success in your job search or in improving your work relationships.
With over twenty years experience in LGBTQ counseling, research, and teaching, I have a deep understanding of our community. Among LGBTQ individuals anxiety and depression may involve feelings of emptiness, relationship problems, interpersonal sensitivity, or addictions. The roots of these struggles can vary, but it helps to have a therapist who grasps the alienating impact of growing up in a world that disavows the core of who we are. I will help you address these issues, and others, through a deeper approach that can feel energizing, challenging, and even liberating.
With over twenty years experience in LGBTQ counseling, research, and teaching, I have a deep understanding of our community. Among LGBTQ individuals anxiety and depression may involve feelings of emptiness, relationship problems, interpersonal sensitivity, or addictions. The roots of these struggles can vary, but it helps to have a therapist who grasps the alienating impact of growing up in a world that disavows the core of who we are. I will help you address these issues, and others, through a deeper approach that can feel energizing, challenging, and even liberating.
We all experience challenges in our lives and can benefit from extra support at times. For 30 years I’ve been assisting my clients on the Northcoast in their personal development and healing journeys, along with improving relationships. I enjoy working with both men and women. Specializing in trauma recovery, life transitions, grief & loss, somatic and mindfulness practices. Advanced trained and 25 years experience as an EMDR provider. 15 years providing pregnancy & postpartum treatment, in addition to perimenopause & menopause support.
We all experience challenges in our lives and can benefit from extra support at times. For 30 years I’ve been assisting my clients on the Northcoast in their personal development and healing journeys, along with improving relationships. I enjoy working with both men and women. Specializing in trauma recovery, life transitions, grief & loss, somatic and mindfulness practices. Advanced trained and 25 years experience as an EMDR provider. 15 years providing pregnancy & postpartum treatment, in addition to perimenopause & menopause support.
Rebekah D Lovejoy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PhD, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arcata, CA 95518
My hope is to be a compassionate support for adults and teens needing a warm and friendly space for creative engagement, healing, self exploration, and affirming. I work with Teens, Individual Adults, and Couples. I have experience working with trauma, gender expansive affirming care, highly intelligent teens, life transitions, individuation, neurodivergence. I use somatic tools, and a humanistic approach. I am experienced with sexuality concerns. I celebrate all bodies. I am BIPOC safe, culturally diverse, sex positive, kink, queer, and non-monogamy informed and allied. Whoever you are, whatever arrives in session is safe and seen.
My hope is to be a compassionate support for adults and teens needing a warm and friendly space for creative engagement, healing, self exploration, and affirming. I work with Teens, Individual Adults, and Couples. I have experience working with trauma, gender expansive affirming care, highly intelligent teens, life transitions, individuation, neurodivergence. I use somatic tools, and a humanistic approach. I am experienced with sexuality concerns. I celebrate all bodies. I am BIPOC safe, culturally diverse, sex positive, kink, queer, and non-monogamy informed and allied. Whoever you are, whatever arrives in session is safe and seen.
April D. Alexander
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arcata, CA 95521 (Online Only)
Is anxiety a constant in your life? Are your life circumstances causing you to feel like life is closing in on you? Does the trauma of the past hold you back from experiencing life to the fullest? I help clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship distress, and trauma to cope in a more balanced and healthy way. I'm here to help through empathetic listening and by providing you with effective tools to cope with the things in lifethat are weighing you down. I truly understand how trauma, anxiety, and depression can feel, and I'm here to help support you as you learn healthy coping strategies to manage your emotions.
Is anxiety a constant in your life? Are your life circumstances causing you to feel like life is closing in on you? Does the trauma of the past hold you back from experiencing life to the fullest? I help clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship distress, and trauma to cope in a more balanced and healthy way. I'm here to help through empathetic listening and by providing you with effective tools to cope with the things in lifethat are weighing you down. I truly understand how trauma, anxiety, and depression can feel, and I'm here to help support you as you learn healthy coping strategies to manage your emotions.
My work is rooted in a desire to support others in recognizing and resolving whatever holds them back, whether that's conscious or unconsciously held beliefs; internalized messages received from family, culture, or a sick society; grief, loss, anxiety, depression, or the challenge of navigating major life transitions. I believe we each hold the wisdom and power to build and sustain meaningful careers, relationships, and lives, even amid circumstances and pasts that are beyond our control.
My work is rooted in a desire to support others in recognizing and resolving whatever holds them back, whether that's conscious or unconsciously held beliefs; internalized messages received from family, culture, or a sick society; grief, loss, anxiety, depression, or the challenge of navigating major life transitions. I believe we each hold the wisdom and power to build and sustain meaningful careers, relationships, and lives, even amid circumstances and pasts that are beyond our control.
Megan (Davis) Horcasitas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arcata, CA 95521
I am an integrative therapist with a practical approach to helping people navigate life’s challenges. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method; instead, I tailor therapy to fit your specific needs. I work with individuals and couples, offering support for issues like stress, anxiety, and relationship dynamics. I especially enjoy helping couples and families improve communication and strengthen their connection. My approach combines traditional therapy techniques with mindfulness and real-world strategies.
I am an integrative therapist with a practical approach to helping people navigate life’s challenges. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method; instead, I tailor therapy to fit your specific needs. I work with individuals and couples, offering support for issues like stress, anxiety, and relationship dynamics. I especially enjoy helping couples and families improve communication and strengthen their connection. My approach combines traditional therapy techniques with mindfulness and real-world strategies.
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Are you a queer or trans person feeling the weight of the world right now? Are you a radical fighting The System, but also fighting yourself? Maybe you are just an all-around misfit who hasn't felt comfortable in therapy offices in the past. Our group practice is for you! We are a team of dynamic and active therapists who meet you where you are at. Our therapists can support a wide range of issues including difficult life transitions (work, school, relationships, new baby), processing deeper emotional wounds/trauma, and day-to-day anxiety/depression. We also specialize in supporting our trans siblings in their gender transitions.
Are you a queer or trans person feeling the weight of the world right now? Are you a radical fighting The System, but also fighting yourself? Maybe you are just an all-around misfit who hasn't felt comfortable in therapy offices in the past. Our group practice is for you! We are a team of dynamic and active therapists who meet you where you are at. Our therapists can support a wide range of issues including difficult life transitions (work, school, relationships, new baby), processing deeper emotional wounds/trauma, and day-to-day anxiety/depression. We also specialize in supporting our trans siblings in their gender transitions.
Do you find life unsettling? Do you feel invisible and ignored? Have anxiety or depression been companions in your life? Whether you're contemplating therapy for the first time or the tenth, it's understandable to feel apprehensive. Yet, it can be a transformative experience, offering tools to navigate challenging periods. It's an opportunity to reconnect with your inner resilience. I am here to support you in uncovering and achieving your mental health goals.
Do you find life unsettling? Do you feel invisible and ignored? Have anxiety or depression been companions in your life? Whether you're contemplating therapy for the first time or the tenth, it's understandable to feel apprehensive. Yet, it can be a transformative experience, offering tools to navigate challenging periods. It's an opportunity to reconnect with your inner resilience. I am here to support you in uncovering and achieving your mental health goals.
Josephine Kelly
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Arcata, CA 95521 (Online Only)
Queer, trans, and nonbinary folks to the front! Do you want to live an authentic and empowered life but you’re not sure how? Are you having trouble figuring out your purpose in this chaotic world? A traumatic past doesn't have to define your future. Whether you're rebuilding your bodily autonomy after sexual violence, resisting internalized oppressive narratives, or wanting to cultivate a more compassionate connection with your body I'm ready to be a collaborator on your journey. Let's figure out where you're living out of alignment with your values and develop ways to have a kinder, more honest relationship with yourself.
Queer, trans, and nonbinary folks to the front! Do you want to live an authentic and empowered life but you’re not sure how? Are you having trouble figuring out your purpose in this chaotic world? A traumatic past doesn't have to define your future. Whether you're rebuilding your bodily autonomy after sexual violence, resisting internalized oppressive narratives, or wanting to cultivate a more compassionate connection with your body I'm ready to be a collaborator on your journey. Let's figure out where you're living out of alignment with your values and develop ways to have a kinder, more honest relationship with yourself.
How does one live a meaningful life? I use a narrative and existential approach to support you in exploring some of these questions. My practice tends to work with individuals living alternative life styles, experiencing life transitions that could be impacting their self esteem and causing anxiety. I love working with clients who are actively self reflective and cultivating a personal sense of meaning in their lives through embracing uniqueness, creativity and agency. I enjoy working with couples as well as individual adults.
How does one live a meaningful life? I use a narrative and existential approach to support you in exploring some of these questions. My practice tends to work with individuals living alternative life styles, experiencing life transitions that could be impacting their self esteem and causing anxiety. I love working with clients who are actively self reflective and cultivating a personal sense of meaning in their lives through embracing uniqueness, creativity and agency. I enjoy working with couples as well as individual adults.
I understand the importance of building trust, safety and rapport in any relationship, in order to more effectively navigate the uncomfortable memories, experiences and relational patterns that have you feeling stuck. Whether you're seeking therapy to address a specific concern or simply to engage in a personal exploration, the therapeutic process can help increase insight, decrease anxiety and painful emotions, identify healthier coping strategies and deepen relationships. Together, we will work to identify and nurture your personal strengths, equipping you with resources that empower you to navigate the challenges of daily life.
I understand the importance of building trust, safety and rapport in any relationship, in order to more effectively navigate the uncomfortable memories, experiences and relational patterns that have you feeling stuck. Whether you're seeking therapy to address a specific concern or simply to engage in a personal exploration, the therapeutic process can help increase insight, decrease anxiety and painful emotions, identify healthier coping strategies and deepen relationships. Together, we will work to identify and nurture your personal strengths, equipping you with resources that empower you to navigate the challenges of daily life.
Looking to resolve difficult issues regarding yourself and or loved ones? My approach is to provide the best treatment and help based on the needs and goals of the individual, couple or family. By working together we facilitate harmony and resolve.
Looking to resolve difficult issues regarding yourself and or loved ones? My approach is to provide the best treatment and help based on the needs and goals of the individual, couple or family. By working together we facilitate harmony and resolve.
I am interested in holding space and discovering the lessons, hardships, triumphs, joys, trauma, and pains that we face. I am here to be there with you through it. I invite you to explore with me your deepest needs, your suffering, your hopes, and dreams so that I can assist you in your personal evolution of blooming into your intended desires for yourself and relationship with your life and others. I am here to explore and integrate our shadows so that we can find and embody a place of wholeness.
I am interested in holding space and discovering the lessons, hardships, triumphs, joys, trauma, and pains that we face. I am here to be there with you through it. I invite you to explore with me your deepest needs, your suffering, your hopes, and dreams so that I can assist you in your personal evolution of blooming into your intended desires for yourself and relationship with your life and others. I am here to explore and integrate our shadows so that we can find and embody a place of wholeness.
I work with clients who are looking to live more authentically, to know themselves at an honest and in-depth level, to learn to accept the parts of themselves they have wanted to hide, those who want to acknowledge and work through anxiety, depression, lack of accountability or responsibility in their life, and those who are creative artists or entrepreneurs that may feel scattered or lost. I work with clients who are feeling stuck, in their relationships, career, or within themselves. I work from a somatic perspective, incorporating contemporary Reichian theory and Ecopsychology principles, among many other modalities.
I work with clients who are looking to live more authentically, to know themselves at an honest and in-depth level, to learn to accept the parts of themselves they have wanted to hide, those who want to acknowledge and work through anxiety, depression, lack of accountability or responsibility in their life, and those who are creative artists or entrepreneurs that may feel scattered or lost. I work with clients who are feeling stuck, in their relationships, career, or within themselves. I work from a somatic perspective, incorporating contemporary Reichian theory and Ecopsychology principles, among many other modalities.
Ashley Bradshaw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ASW, PMH-C, PPSC, MSW
Verified Verified
Arcata, CA 95521
Waitlist for new clients
I provide therapy to clients who have trauma, depression, anxiety, feel stuck, unmotivated, feel isolated, feel like they are not doing enough, experience adjustments to life and have strained relationships. I work with adolescents and adults. I specialize in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and I'm dedicated to supporting moms and birthing persons who are expecting, experience postpartum depression, infertility issues, birth trauma, grief and loss. I work with individuals who want to process their feelings in a nonjudgmental space and are open to growth, healing, and managing stressors.
I provide therapy to clients who have trauma, depression, anxiety, feel stuck, unmotivated, feel isolated, feel like they are not doing enough, experience adjustments to life and have strained relationships. I work with adolescents and adults. I specialize in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and I'm dedicated to supporting moms and birthing persons who are expecting, experience postpartum depression, infertility issues, birth trauma, grief and loss. I work with individuals who want to process their feelings in a nonjudgmental space and are open to growth, healing, and managing stressors.
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How does body image affect mental health?
Poor body image can influence mental health because it can reduce self-esteem and decrease functioning in other areas of one's life. Negative body image may hinder someone's ability to perform daily tasks, including professional and social responsibilities, because they may feel self-conscious or shame surrounding their appearance; a desire to change one's body as a result of negative body image can also trigger behaviors such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or obsessive social media comparison. Poor body image is associated with a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, although many people experience negative body image even in the absence of meeting the diagnostic criteria for any mental health disorders.
What does it mean to have a positive body image?
Body image refers to how one internally perceives their appearance and internally "talks" to themself about their body. Positive body image is therefore indicative of a positive perception of one's self and positive internal self-talk that underscores one's strengths. People who have good body image often have higher self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence, and they also often recognize how external factors, such as social media or relationship patterns, can influence body image. While body image can change at different life stages and in response to various triggers, practicing self-acceptance and a body-positive mindset can help maintain a more stable sense of positive body image.
Is body image the same as self-esteem?
Body image and self-esteem are often related, but they are distinct concepts. Self-esteem is a broader term that can be shaped by a number of factors outside of body image, including one's functioning at school or in the workplace; it refers to one's capacity to handle various life challenges. Poor body image can be one way in which one's self-esteem is reduced. Reduced self-esteem as a result of poor body image can cause individuals to feel negative about their appearance, withdraw from social interactions, and/or rely on harmful behaviors as a coping mechanism. A "body positive" approach to body image therapy is therefore often used to encourage a more positive view of one's self and thus encourage better self-esteem.
What type of therapy is best to foster a positive body image?
The type of therapy best suited to improve body image depends on each person, as there is not a single therapy specific to body image improvement. That said, many individuals with poor body image benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapy. CBT can be used to help challenge distorted or negative thoughts about one's body, while ACT and mindfulness practices can facilitate a more positive body image through self-acceptance and identification of one's personal strengths. Regardless of treatment type, clients should look for body image therapists who encourage the development of a sense of self outside of their external appearance and help clients reduce unwanted behaviors developed as a result of poor self-esteem, such as dieting or disordered eating patterns.